Are solid end links better?

The solid end links are much more robust and are less likely to get dirt into the pins holding the links together, which reduces the wear. Naturally, a folded (and hollow) end link will rattle and not provide optimal stability for the bracelet to which it is attached.

When did Rolex switch to solid center links?

2000’s
Starting in the early 2000’s, Rolex started moving to using solid center links on both the Jubilee and Oyster bracelets, solid end links that connect to the bracelet to the watch head, and updated clasps that utilized dedicated springs rather than hinge tension found in the older clasps.

When did the submariner get solid end links?

2000s
Then came the transformation from hollow end links of the oyster bracelet to solid. This came about during the early 2000s on the 16610 reference model Rolex Submariner.

What does SEL mean for Rolex?

Many of you probably asked themselves at least once what SEL stands for, when reading a watch description. The answer is “Solid End Links”, which means that the final link is not hollow but in solid steel. This strengthens the whole watch and makes the bracelet way more resistant.

When did Rolex change the clasp?

In 2011, Rolex did away with the previous clasp code configurations system, changing to a completely random three digit clasp code system.

When did Rolex change the Jubilee clasp?

Swiss-made Jubilee bracelets until 1974 had folded-style links while those made in the USA or Mexico (more on that later) during the same time had oval-style links. These were eventually replaced by D-style links in the mid 1970s, finally followed by the solid-style link in the mid 2000s.

When did Rolex introduce SEL?

Rolex introduced the solid end links on the Sea-Dweller in the mid-1970s and eventually rolled out the solid end links (aka SEL) across all models. Today, all modern Rolex watches have SELs, giving a much sturdier and heftier feel to the bracelet.